Pay is up but so are hours worked

Despite the economic slowdown, salaries in the HR profession increased by an average 3.25% in 2008. Private sector workers have experienced the highest increase with an average of 4% rise this year, followed by the voluntary sector with 3.25%. Public sector HR workers recorded the lowest rise with a 3% increase.

The survey shows that the profession is cautious about the year ahead, but still predicts a rise in HR earnings. Almost half (47%) forecast that they will expect a 3% pay rise in 2009, while only 19% of them foresee a 4% increase and 13% of them a 5%.

Bonuses also held up well this year. HR professionals received bonuses averaging 6.5% of their base salaries, compared to 6% in the 2007 survey.

However, HR professionals are working longer hours than ever. Nearly three-quarters of respondents work 40 hours a week or more, compared to 62% in 2007.

"The fact that HR rewards have held up so well indicates the important role that many in our profession exercise in creating and sustaining a high performance culture. However, despite these increases, HR pay has still not kept pace with inflation," said Charles Cotton, reward advisor at the CIPD.






Within job levels, Personnel Administrators are working harder than ever, with 65% of them working 40 hours a week or more, compared to 36% only in 2007. Personnel Directors showed a slight increase, with 84% of them working more than 40 hours compared to 82% in 2007.